[RiXst3r]

Google Maps and BMW have joined forces to streamline the data entry process. Instead of printing out or writing down an address to re-enter in the car, the information is sent directly from your computer to your navigation system. German drivers with Drive Assist-equipped BMWs can send any Google Maps Deutschland business listing straight to their cars, either to contact the business once inside, or to set it as a destination. Honestly, it's about friggin' time online maps and automakers made this connection, and we're glad that Google appears ready and eager to expand this service. Check out the video of how it works after the jump.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/08/g...-maps-to-bmws/

[Hound Passer]

Yeah, I subscribe to the BMW podcast and they featured this yesterday (same video posted here). Of course the video doesn't clarify it's only for the German version of Google and was going nuts trying to see how it worked but I couldn't find a "send" button on Google Maps Only after I did a Google search did I discover it's not a US feature Pretty cool though.

Now what is REALLY interesting is how this could play into the rumor Autolies, I mean, spies, posted about Apple iPhone integration since the iPhone features Google Maps. At any rate I hope Google brings this to the US in some form.

[RiXst3r]

I dont see the point of doing it on your phone... (iPhone)

[iatacs19]

This is awesome!!! We can save tress too by not printing the stuff out.

Only bad thing about the video was the ugly actress. :P

[tomdlgns]

oh man, no US version? booooo

Tom

[Hound Passer]

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

I dont see the point of doing it on your phone... (iPhone)

Sure, it's a lot easier to find a location with Google Maps than to have to fumble around the POI categories on the Nav and then scroll through a list. For example, you could just type in "Dulles Airport" into Google Maps on your phone and then Xfer to your Nav. That is a lot easier than drilling down a couple POI folders to get to Airports, etc.

Or say, you are looking for a street but don't know what jurisdiction it's in (could be the Alexandria, Fairfax Co. or could be Alexandria proper...the BMW Nav is inflexible this way). You could just go to Google Maps and type "(street name", Alexandria, VA" and boom you have your address.

So yes, in so many ways using an iPhone w/ Google Maps will be much easier than the NAV database on DVD that can be cumbersome to search and gets outdated pretty quickly since stores and businesses come and go.

[anu335i]

This needs to come to the States...

[dmfitz82]

wow - really cool!

[d3l0n]

i can't wait. I think this is wonderful. IF its live. This is great. We should have the option to do the hybrid view/ map view/ street view. I can't wait to see more updates. 2008+ models are gonna be even better. i drive has alot of potential, just needs more. RTTI was a good start.

Will it be possible to update 2004-up models with the new i-Drive system for free or and a small upgrade fee?

[d3l0n]

Originally Posted by d3l0n

i can't wait. I think this is wonderful. IF its live. This is great. We should have the option to do the hybrid view/ map view/ street view. I can't wait to see more updates. 2008+ models are gonna be even better. i drive has alot of potential, just needs more. RTTI was a good start.

Will it be possible to update 2004-up models with the new i-Drive system for free or and a small upgrade fee?

I usually use my blackberry 8700 with Blackberry 411 software. I search for a POI on my phone, get the address, and punch it in to i-Drive. There are times that the location doesn't exist in I-DRIVE. I'm on my own from there. It would be nice if instead of having a DVD, have a memory card installed to download updates. I always prefer to have any over dvd based navi systems.

[JSpira]

This works with ConnectedDrive only and not in all markets where ConnectedDrive is available.

[Ucan]

Originally Posted by JSpira

This works with ConnectedDrive only and not in all markets where ConnectedDrive is available.

Could you elaborate more? e.g., What's Connecteddrive and which models have it? Is Connecteddrive available in US market? Do you have any insider info whether BMWNA is planning a similar Google maps - BMW integration for US?

Your info is always appreciated.

Thanks,

[esbezee92]

unfortunately i think i already know the answer to my own question but is this something that a future update will allow us to do or did we miss out on that feature

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Ucan

Could you elaborate more? e.g., What's Connecteddrive and which models have it? Is Connecteddrive available in US market? Do you have any insider info whether BMWNA is planning a similar Google maps - BMW integration for US?

Your info is always appreciated.

Thanks,

Danke!

Here is info on ConnectedDrive.

Re BMW NA, we would first need ConnectedDrive infrastructure and then it would be relatively easy. At least 3 years away.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by esbezee92

unfortunately i think i already know the answer to my own question but is this something that a future update will allow us to do or did we miss out on that feature

You are right. You know the answer.